Spring Awakening…The Yoga Way!

By Claire Diab and Dennis Boyle

As we enter spring, we watch as the world around us transforms, shedding what it no longer needs for winter while preparing to grow and awaken with new life. We can follow this change in our own body, mind, and spirit.

Here are some ideas for awakening, cleansing, and healing your body, mind, and spirit.

 

1. Take your practice outside!

If the weather has warmed up, go outdoors and absorb the light and warmth of the sun. Rebirth is an important aspect of all the spring celebrations, and stepping outside to appreciate them will help you feel alive and awakened. You can do Sun Salutations or other cardio exercises to feel your muscles warm up and awaken.

 

2. Start your practice in Child’s Pose:

Start in a kneeling position, dropping your tailbone toward your heels while stretching your body down and forward. Extend your arms out with your palms up to receive energy. As you leave this pose, you will feel renewed, rejuvenated, and calm.

 

3. Bring a “twist” to your practice.

We mean this literally–Seated Twist Pose is a great detoxifying pose. Sitting on the mat with your legs stretched in front of you, bend your right knee, bringing your right foot to the mat. Extend your left arm and sweep your left arm toward your right knee, turning from the hips and rotating your torso to the right. Bring your right hand to the mat behind your tailbone and look over your right shoulder. This pose nourishes the kidneys and liver, helping to rejuvenate and restore those vital filtering organs. Hold this pose for 1-2 minutes, then switch sides.  This pose lengthens the spine and will help bring fresh energy to your internal organs.

    

 

4. Give yourself some extra time in Relaxation Pose.

Savasana Pose is a great time to reap the benefits of any postures or exercise you have performed. If you take the time to lie down after any exercise–yoga, running, lifting, or anything else–this time gives your body time to strengthen and your mind time to relax.

Use these techniques to help your body strengthen, awake, heal, and be nourished. You will feel bright, strong, and healthy, ready to spring into the season!

 

Claire Diab is an internationally recognized Yoga therapist. She is the director of the Yoga Program for the Chopra Center founded by Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon. She is an adjunct professor of Asian Studies at Seton Hall University. She is the author of several books and DVDs on Yoga including “Yoga For Firefighters.”

Dennis Boyle is a retired fire director and acting chief with the West Orange (NJ) Fire Department. He was the recipient of the 1999 New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs “Fire Officer of the Year” award.

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